The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a major security advisory for the entire Maiquetía Flight Information Region (FIR), which encompasses all of Venezuela and significant portions of the southern Caribbean. Effective from November 21, 2025, until at least February 19, 2026, the advisory urges civilian flights to exercise caution due to a “worsening security situation” and “heightened military activity” that could pose risks to aircraft at all altitudes.
The advisory, identified as NOTAM A0012/25, signals an escalation in aviation safety concerns in the region. Key highlights include:
- Scope of the warning: The FAA indicated that potential threats could affect aircraft during overflights, arrivals and departures, and even ground operations at airports within the Maiquetía FIR.
- Underlying triggers: Increased interference with global navigation satellite systems (GNSS), mobilization of Venezuelan military reserve forces, and repeated military drills since September 2025 are cited as contributing risk factors.
- Operational implications: U.S. civil aviation operators planning flights through the region are required to provide a 72-hour advance notification to the FAA, reflecting heightened oversight.
- Broader context: While U.S. airlines have been banned from flying to or from Venezuela since 2019, overflights have been permitted. This advisory highlights the growing caution even for transit flights across Venezuelan airspace.
Airspace Overview
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| NOTAM Identifier | A0012/25 |
| Region Covered | Maiquetía FIR (Venezuela + southern Caribbean) |
| Effective Period | 21 Nov 2025 – at least 19 Feb 2026 |
| Core Warning | “Worsening security situation and heightened military activity” |
| Affected Phases | Overflight, arrivals/departures, ground operations |
| Action Required | 72-hour advance notification for U.S. operators |
Analysis and Implications:
The FAA’s advisory comes amid escalating regional tensions. Increased U.S. naval and aerial presence near Venezuelan waters has amplified concerns over the safety of civil aviation. The Maiquetía FIR now joins historically high-risk airspaces where civilian flights are closely monitored or restricted.
For airlines, the advisory may necessitate route adjustments, potentially increasing flight times and fuel costs. Insurers may also revise premiums or impose stricter operational requirements. Furthermore, disruptions in Venezuelan airspace could affect Caribbean and South American flight connectivity, impacting passenger and cargo transport.
The FAA’s warning may also prompt other civil aviation regulators in Latin America and Europe to review their own guidance and risk assessments for flights in or near Venezuelan airspace.
